By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has delivered a powerful appeal at the General Debate of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday September 24, 2025 in New York, USA, urging world leaders to embrace bold multilateralism and commit to urgent reforms that will make the UN more effective, inclusive and resilient in confronting today’s global challenges.

Speaking under the theme :“Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights,” President Bio stressed that the 80th anniversary of the United Nations must mark a turning point of courage and renewal rather than complacency. He declared that the UN must evolve into “more than a meeting place; it must be a working place for peace, for people and for our planet.”

President Bio reminded the Assembly that Sierra Leone speaks with independence and conviction, shaped by its history of war and recovery through UN support. Since joining the UN in 1961, Sierra Leone has stood firmly for justice, equality and principled multilateralism. He highlighted his roles as current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on Security Council Reform, underscoring Sierra Leone’s determination to champion law, peace and equity on the global stage.

“Sovereignty is equal and our responsibilities are the same,” he stated. “Leadership is not about the loudest voice in the room but the clearest call for justice.”

Turning to international security, President Bio condemned the United Nations Security Council for failing to act decisively in the face of atrocities. He described the devastation in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine as preventable tragedies made worse by political paralysis. Raising his voice, he demanded: “Ceasefire now in Gaza! Ceasefire now in Sudan! Ceasefire now in Ukraine!”

He argued that the veto should never become a “verdict against humanity,” stressing the need to reform the Security Council so it reflects present realities. He welcomed growing recognition of Palestine but insisted that greater action is needed to uphold peace, protect civilians and preserve the two-state solution.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s civil conflict, President Bio credited the UN’s decisive role in ending the war, disarming over 75,000 combatants and restoring democracy. He praised the establishment of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as landmark models of transitional justice.

“When the UN works, lives are saved. When it fails, lives are lost,” he said, calling for stronger respect for UN mandates, greater protection for peacekeepers and humanitarian workers and deeper investment in prevention and peacebuilding efforts.

Linking peace to development, President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063. He pointed to investments in agriculture, digital technology, healthcare, renewable energy and his flagship Free Quality Education programme as pillars of the country’s progress.

On climate change, the President described the crisis as an existential threat disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations like Sierra Leone, which contribute negligibly to global emissions. He urged developed nations to meet their $100 billion annual climate finance commitment and emphasized that “climate justice is not charity; it is a legal and moral responsibility.”

He also announced Sierra Leone’s ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, becoming the 60th state to do so further demonstrating the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

As Coordinator of the African Union C-10, President Bio strongly reiterated Africa’s demand for Security Council reform. He described the continent’s continued exclusion from permanent representation as “unjust and untenable,” stressing that it undermines the Council’s legitimacy. He reaffirmed the Common African Position in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, demanding at least two permanent seats with full rights, including veto power if it remains and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa.

“This is not a request. It is a demand for equity,” President Bio declared. “The 80th anniversary of the UN and the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus must mark the moment the world answers Africa’s call.”

The President also celebrated the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, citing its decisive interventions in Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia as evidence of Africa’s capacity to provide its own solutions. As Chair of the regional bloc, he outlined his priorities: defending democracy, countering terrorism, advancing regional integration and strengthening institutional credibility.

He emphasized that Africa must be seen as a strategic partner, not a problem to be managed. “Africa has solutions. What we need is equal representation and a seat at the table,” he said.

Promoting Sierra Leone’s Global Voice President Bio used the platform to endorse the candidature of Professor Dr. Charles Chernor Jalloh for the International Court of Justice, citing his distinguished service and commitment to international law. He said this nomination reflects Sierra Leone’s readiness to contribute to strengthening the global legal order.

In closing, President Bio urged the world to seize the historic anniversary to renew the UN’s mission and strengthen its legitimacy. “The world does not need a louder UN. It requires a braver UN. Now is the time to make the UN work for all,” he affirmed.

He concluded with a call to unity and shared responsibility: “Together, let us forge a future of peace, shared prosperity and human dignity. For in unity, we are not only better; we are stronger.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/at-unga-80-president-bio-demands-stronger-multilateralism-and-urgent-reform/